Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market Returns

May 5th launches the first Saturday market of the beloved Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market. With over 100 vendors, our Market has been noted as one of the largest in the state and boasts a beautiful array of fresh and local products.

As a reminder, markets run Saturdays, May through October, 7:30am to Noon and Wednesdays, June through October, 8:00am to Noon. The market will relocate to the ground floor of the Old Town Parking garage during the National Cherry Festival.

During the market, parking is available in Lots T (on Saturdays), C and A, surrounding the market. Parking is also available in Lot Z in the Warehouse District. This underutilized lot is a great access point to downtown and the market. (All standard rates and permit regulations apply during the market hours.)

Spring Art Walk

The Downtown Art Walk will return on Friday, May 4 from 5 to 9 pm. Over 20 different Downtown merchants will be partnering with local artists and wineries to host a self-guided tour that is sure to excite the senses.

Stop by the following 27 locations for great art, great shopping, and great memories:

For more information on the event including a list of artists and full walking guide CLICK HERE.

Letter from Jean

With the smell of Spring in the air, it is time to mark your calendars to “Take a Walk Downtown!” Art Walk May 4th, Opening of Farmers Market May 5th , and the opening of the Public Restrooms. Downtown is inclusive and active, make sure you take advantage of the opportunities that are open to all.

Parking is always a discussion point and important for visitors, businesses, and the DDA Board has approved a three-year implementation strategy for implementation of the Transportation Demand Management Plan. The first year partnering with BATA on the Bayline and the Downtowner are two fantastic opportunities for employees and visitors of Downtown. The DDA and Parking Services staff will be meeting with employers in the next few weeks to talk about how you can take advantage of these programs. If you don’t hear from us, please call our office, we have a lot to do and reach out, so help is needed to get the word out.

The DDA Board will be looking at considering appointing a Lower Boardman River Leadership Team to bring together a unifying plan. A unifying plan that will have public input/participation and requiring approval from all public bodies: DDA Board, Parks Commission, Planning Commission and City Commission. Look for additional information and become involved. The DDA staff is always working hard for you and input is always welcome. I look forward to seeing you Downtown!

New Website Features and Member Benefit

The Downtown website has launched a new calendar and build your own itinerary page. The DTCA has partnered with What’s Up Michigan to provide a robust calendar that features the many happenings in Downtown TC. DTCA members may submit one calendar item a month to the link HERE. Businesses that are current clients of What’s Up Michigan need to simply add their items to the What’s Up Michigan site as usual and the events will automatically filter to the Downtown TC website.

Coming Soon! The build your own itinerary page is a great way to highlight businesses throughout Downtown TC. DTCA members will be listed and provided the opportunity be on itineraries that individuals build when they visit the website. Downtown staff will build set itineraries to promote and rotate businesses as the itineraries change.

PARKING UPDATE

Meter Violation Discounts!

As of January 1, 2018, meter violation fees have been modified to offer a $5 discount if paid in person in the office or online same day. (You may not pay the $5 by mail or drop box as it will likely be late when the payment is received.) This discount applies to the first 5 meter violations issued in the calendar year. The 7 or more meter violations have been modified to 12 or more in a calendar year.

Discount Schedule

1-5 tickets :: $10 with $5 discount if paid in person or online same day

6-11 tickets :: $10

12+ tickets :: $75

Lot D Information

As of April 16th, surface permits are no longer valid in Lot D.

Overnight Parking

From April 15th to November 15th, Vehicles may park overnight on city streets on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night. Otherwise, there is no parking on city streets between 3:00am and 6:00am. You may park overnight on the ground level of the Old Town Garage or in Lot T.

Downtown Discount Card

It’s that time again to sign up to be on the Downtown Employee Discount Card. This card extends a neighborly offer of 10% off at your establishment to all downtown employees. Sign up forms will be mailed with the DTCA Board ballots. Make sure you get your form in quickly! Placement on the card is $20 for current members and is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Cards will be available for pick-up at our office July 1st.

Lyle DeYoung Nominations

The DTCA is seeking nominations for the 2018 Lyle DeYoung Award. This honor is given to community members who have made a significant contribution to the vitality of downtown Traverse City. Please submit nominations in writing to [email protected]no later than May 1st. A committee will select the winners and announce them at the Downtown Annual Dinner!

Downtown Coupon Books

The Downtown Coupon Book will go to print in May. Each year, the DTCA provides nearly 10,000 coupon books in welcome bags to visiting conferences in the area. Current participants will remain in the book with extended expiration dates unless otherwise notified. You must be a DTCA member to participate & members may have a coupon in the book for FREE. Artwork for coupons must be submitted no later than May 15th.

Artwork dimensions for the coupon book are 6" by 1.7" and can be emailed as either a PDF or JPG image to [email protected]

Downtown Annual Dinner

The 2018 Downtown Annual Dinner is slated for Thursday, June 7th and will have catering provided by Harvest. The DTCA board will be seeking donations for annual dinner in May, so be on the lookout for DTCA board members who will be out and about contacting you regarding prize donations.

Member Benefit: Classified Listing

The DTCA will be paying for a classified listing in the Ticker the second week of every month that shares the downtown jobs page. If you're a DTCA member and have an open position, feel free to complete THIS FORM by the first Friday of the month.

DTCA Board Elections

Three three-year positions are up for election to serve on the DTCA Board of Directors. Candidates for the 2017 election are as follows:

Susan FisherTCFF/State & Bijou Theatres

Dawn GildersleeveCherry Republic

Jake KaberleBurritt's Fresh Markets

Margaret MorseHotel Indigo

Lynn RodenrothGreat Lakes Bath & Body

Ballots will be sent via snail mail in May to all DTCA members.

The Little Fleet

With the sun out, the fleet is ascending upon The Little Fleet once again! Stop by for some great street food and great times!

SPECIAL EVENTS

Spring Art WalkMay 4

Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers MarketMay 5, 12, 19, & 26

DDA & DTCA BOARD

DTCA Board MeetingMay 10
303 E. State St.

8:30 am

DDA Board Meeting

May 20
400 Boardman Ave.

8 am

123 Speakeasy

Looking for a great cocktail with a fantastic environment? Make your reservation at 123 Speakeasy to get your password to enter this hidden gem in Downtown!

Let's STAY In Touch

We invite you to tour our vibrant community and discover all that Downtown Traverse City, Michigan has to offer. From restaurants and breweries to shopping and galleries, there's something for everyone!